RAQ
Shed Tech (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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RAQ is Vermont's latest entry into the jamband sweepstakes, and the quartet has garnered all the usual comparisons while establishing a loyal following in the Mid-Atlantic region. With the release of their first CD, Shed Tech, they're aiming for a wider reach. From the sound of the music on the disc, they're well prepared to achieve that goal.

Bassist Jay Burwick and drummer Greg Stukey lay down a solid groove for guitarist Chris Michetti, who generally eschews pyrotechnics in favor of solid lines in service to the songs. The band worked as a trio until the addition of keyboardist Marc Scortino, and his R&B flavored contributions are one of the band's most distinctive features. Another element that separates RAQ from the pack are their vocals, which are among the strongest I've heard among the second generation jambands. That's only a partial blessing, because while the songs, principally written by Michetti and Scortino, are well structured, they're at their best when they get outside help lyrically. Michetti has a regular songwriting partner, apparently, and the best lyrical material is found in tracks credited to Michetti/Geary.

Some sexual juvenalia in the lyrics aside, this is a promising debut and leaves me looking forward to the follow up, or a live show when they swing west.

Track List:

Time Bomb * There When I Land * Verde Burro * Tunnel Vision * Hot Wired * Confuzor * Weakling * Guilty Pleasures * Last Bag * Welcome To The Donkey Show

[Pick this up at www.homegrownmusic.net.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale